What causes early leaf drop in pear trees? How to prevent and control it
Pears are delicious and juicy, sweet with a hint of tartness, and rich in nutrients. They are packed with various vitamins and fiber, and can be eaten fresh or used medicinally. They help relieve constipation and aid digestion, and in folk tradition they are also used to make rock sugar pear to soothe coughs. China is also a major pear-growing country. When many people grow them, they notice early leaf drop in pear trees, which causes a large loss of nutrients and makes both the quality and yield of the fruit somewhat poorer. So what should be done about early leaf drop in pear trees? Below, Qinnong Net brings you the causes of early leaf drop in pear trees and the prevention and control methods.
1. Water imbalance
To speed up the growth of pear trees, many people tend to apply more chemical fertilizer while neglecting the application of organic fertilizer. In the end, this causes the organic content of the soil to increase more and more, and eventually the soil becomes compacted and clodded. The soil's water-holding and drainage capacity becomes poorer, so the plants cannot absorb water. Especially during drought, even watering has little effect, and water is also prone to accumulate. Because the soil is compacted, soil aeration is extremely poor, root growth is hindered, and in the end the leaves wilt and fall off.
Prevention and control methods: Apply fertilizer in appropriate amounts and include organic fertilizer. Deep plow the soil once each year to prevent soil compaction. In addition, when fertilizing, you can cultivate and weed several times, which can increase soil permeability. Also, water promptly during drought and drain promptly during the rainy season.
2. Improper dense planting and pruning
Some growers choose too high a planting density in order to achieve yield per mu. As the pear trees grow, the canopy takes shape, causing the plants to become closed in with one another. Ventilation and light penetration become poor, so many leaves cannot receive sunlight for photosynthesis, ultimately leading to early leaf drop. In addition, improper pruning can also cause this phenomenon.
Prevention and control methods: Plant at a reasonable density according to the variety characteristics and cultivation methods of the pear trees, so that each tree keeps a certain distance from the others. If, after the canopy takes shape, the plants are found to be too densely packed, thin them or cut them back in time. For vigorously growing pear trees, prune them to control the number of branches and the height of the canopy, so that they bloom and bear fruit more and yield increases.
3. Pests and diseases
Many pests and diseases do considerable damage to pear trees. These pests and diseases harm the leaves of pear trees and cause the leaves to fall off. The diseases include pear scab and black spot, and the pests include pear psylla, two-spotted spider mite, and pear two-tailed aphid.
Prevention and control methods: There are many means of pest and disease control. For example, start from the source of the pests and diseases by collecting and burning the weeds, fallen branches, and fallen leaves around the planting area, and disinfect the plants and soil. In addition, pests can be controlled using their natural enemies, and diseases can be controlled with chemical agents.
4. Improper use of chemicals
Whether for disinfection or for pest and disease control, we use some chemical agents. These agents themselves cause some harm to the plants. If they are mixed together, or if the concentration is too high or they are used too many times, they will cause leaves to fall early.
Prevention and control methods: Use chemicals according to the problems the plants are facing and the properties of the chemicals. You must master the concentration and method of use, mix them scientifically, pay attention to the period of use, and avoid frequent use.
The above are the causes of early leaf drop in pear trees and the prevention and control methods brought to you by Qinnong Net. The editor explained the causes of early leaf drop in pear trees from four aspects and brought you the prevention and control methods, hoping they can be of help to you.